Royal Tern
Sterna maxima |
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The Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) is pretty much strictly a coastal tern and is only rarely found far from salt water. It can be common on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States as well as parts of the California coast at certain times of the year. It is also found along the coasts of both Central and South America. The first eleven shots here were taken on Sanibel Island, Lee Co., Florida in November, 2006, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 500mm F/4 L IS lens. | |
The next 2 shots of Royal Terns were taken on South Padre Island, Cameron Co., Texas, in April, 2009, with a Canon EOS 50D and an EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens. | |
The next 4 shots of Royal Terns were taken at Port Aransas, Nueces Co., Texas, in February, 2010. | |
The next three shots show basic (winter) plumaged Royal Terns at South Padre Island, Cameron Co., Texas, in December, 2010. These images were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and an EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens. | |
Royal Tern Sterna maxima pair mating Texas City Dike, Texas City, Galveston Co., Texas 30 March 2016 |
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Royal Tern Sterna maxima pair mating Texas City Dike, Texas City, Galveston Co., Texas 30 March 2016 |
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Royal Tern Sterna maxima pair mating Sea Rim State Park, Jefferson Co., Texas 4 April 2017 |
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Royal Tern Sterna maxima pair in courtship Sea Rim State Park, Jefferson Co., Texas 4 April 2017 |
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Royal Tern Sterna maxima pair in courtship Sea Rim State Park, Jefferson Co., Texas 4 April 2017 |
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Royal Tern Sterna maxima illustrating bill color differences between some individuals. Bolivar Flats, Galveston Co., Texas 5 April 2017 |
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Royal Tern Sterna maxima Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston Co., Texas 6 April 2017 |
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Royal Tern Sterna maxima juvenile (left) and adult North Padre Island, Kleberg Co., Texas 18 July 2017 |
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Royal Tern Sterna maxima juvenile (left) and adult North Padre Island, Kleberg Co., Texas 18 July 2017 |
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Royal Tern Sterna maxima near Port Bolivar, Galveston Co., Texas 3 March 2018 |
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Royal Tern Sterna maxima Bolivar Flats, Galveston Co., Texas 25 April 2018 |